Upper Gwynedd PD Plans To Add Two K9 Officers

UPPER GWYNEDD, PA — Some good boys or girls are on their way to help local law enforcement.

The Upper Gwynedd Police Department announced this week that they will be starting a new Canine Unit for the first time in their 70-year history.

"There has been a vast amount of research and planning that went into this decision," the department said in making the announcement. "Canines are a unique tool in police work that can be recalled if a situation changes. Canines provide police officers with another tool to defuse tough situations and deter persons from committing violent acts."

Police touted numerous benefits of adding the two new pups to the force, including assistance in tracking missing persons, acting as a visible deterrent to criminal activity, locating illegal drugs, searching buildings, finding explosives, and more.

Not to mention, police added, "Dogs make everyone smile."

The unit, headed up by Officer Matt Toro, will be run on public donations.

The canines have not yet been selected; the department is in the process of finding the right match.

If interested in donating to the program, checks can be made out to Upper Gwynedd Township or Upper Gwynedd Township Community Association and mailed to 1 Parkside Pl, North Wales, PA 19454, Attn: Dave Brill. Add “police” or “canine” to the memo of the check.